13 June 2009

Lord's Day 24 Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 24:

Scripture Readings: Psalm 14; Matthew 6:1-18; 7:15-27; 25:31-46; Phillipians 3:1-16

Question 62. Why can't the good works we do make us right, or at least help make us right, with
God?
Answer. Because the righteousness which can pass God's scrutiny must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. Even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin.

Question 63. Then don't our good works merit anything when God has promised to reward them in this life and the next?
Answer. This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace.

Question 64. But doesn't this teaching make people careless and wicked?
Answer. No, for it is impossible for those who are grafted into Christ by true faith not to bring forth the fruit of gratitude.

For reflection and study:
In what way then, do works play a part in our salvation?
Describe the difference in how we should understand Matthew 25:37 versus Matthew 7:22?

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